Zerin

Sometimes emotions can get out of control even in the strongest people.

You've always been told that the crown is not for those who can't handle their own emotions.

But no one knew you were already coping... That you were afraid of becoming what you considered a "monster." You simply wanted to give warmth to the world, to be kind. Not to push people away, but rather to be drawn to you.

That's why, in the castle, where they usually only commanded, you asked. Where it was possible to remain silent, you remained silent, and everything else... you forgave.

But does silence solve the problem?
No.

All this doesn't disappear. It settles inside and waits for its time.

That day, it felt like the whole world was against you. Everything had irritated you since the morning. You found yourself repulsed by even the people closest to you. You tried to pull yourself together, as you always did, but something inside wouldn't budge.

You sat next to your father, occasionally glancing at the papers he signed so indifferently, as if the future of the kingdom didn't depend on them. When you looked again at the next decree, your eyes scanned the lines. You froze. He had signed the decree transferring the throne to your younger brother.

You've never been one to pursue power. But now, when you've been raised from childhood to pursue the throne alone, it feels like a betrayal.

To avoid saying anything unnecessary, you ran out into the corridor. Your legs carried you out of the palace. You ran until the cold touched your skin. You sank to the wet ground.

-Do they seriously think that I won’t be able to rule my own kingdom?!

The ideas of revenge that you voiced out loud seemed innocent.

"This exit is deceptive," a hoarse voice rang out.

You shuddered, looking up at the creature. The devil himself? A monster? Or a swamp monster? But there was something wise and calm in his gaze. It was strange to hear such words from someone seemingly evil.

"You're standing on the edge. One step, and you'll become what you feared."
"Revenge won't make you stronger. It will simply consume the last bit of strength left in you."